Martha Louise “Marti” Ashley

February 22, 1959 – April 12, 2025

Martha Louise “Marti” Ashley, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, surrounded by her children. Born on February 22, 1959, in Springfield, Missouri, Marti’s life was marked by a bright spirit, a deep compassion for others, and an extraordinary ability to connect with everyone she met. She truly never met a stranger.

As a teenager, Marti worked at Sequiota Park Day Camp for children with disabilities, where she discovered her gift for connecting with people—especially those who needed a little extra attention and kindness. That gift guided her through life and led her to a career as a recreation therapist, a profession that perfectly suited her fun-loving, caring nature.

She attended the University of Missouri – Columbia and remained a proud Mizzou Tiger throughout her life. Marti spent her family years in St. Louis, where she raised her children and built a life rooted in joy, resilience, and deep love. She taught her children to cherish nature, to be kind, and to always stop and smell the roses.

Marti came from a large, loving family and was the ninth of ten children. She was shaped by the joy, laughter, and lessons that come with growing up in a full house—and by the deep love she had for her mom and daddy, and all her siblings. We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited in heaven with her beloved parents and precious little sister Cindy, and her big brother John.

Marti loved nature and being outdoors. She never turned down a good bonfire, a moment of peace sitting by the water, or the chance to cast a line with her signature “diet coke” in hand. She took up fishing in her later years—though she only caught one fish, we’re sure it’s a story she’s still telling.

Above all else, Marti adored her grandchildren. Whether she was playing, cuddling, cheering them on, or just spending time in their world, they were her greatest joy. She was lovingly known as “Whammy,” and her grandkids will carry her love, her laughter, and her Whammy-sized heart with them forever.

Her life wasn’t always easy, but she met its challenges with grit, humor, and a heart full of love. She had more friends than anyone we know—because she gave so much of herself to others, without hesitation.

She is survived by her three children: Emily Conroy (Mike), Peter Jaques, and Maddy Buckner (Mario); her beloved grandchildren: Michael Jr., Cole, Zenia, and Zanova. Wonderful memories will be carried on by a slew of nieces and nephews and her surviving siblings: Mary Kay Meek (Terry), James Ashley (Dorothy), Patricia Hiscock (Edwin), Michael Ashley (Gayle), Jane Ashley, Elyse Ashley, Jennifer Blank (Martin), and Susan Pomerenke (David). Marti’s love for her family was at the center of everything she did.

She was baptized at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, and it is there—where her spiritual journey began—that we will celebrate her life in a beautiful full-circle moment.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806. The family will also host a celebration of life in St. Louis at a later date to be determined. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Loaves and Fishes – STL, in honor of her generous heart. https://loavesandfishes-stl.kindful.com/